Corneal Opacity

Definition

Corneal opacity is a disorder of the cornea. The cornea is the transparent structure on the front of the eyeball.
Corneal opacity occurs when the cornea becomes scarred. This stops light from passing through the cornea to the retina and may cause the cornea to appear white or clouded over.

Causes

Infection, injury, or swelling of the eye are the most common causes of corneal opacity.

Symptoms

Area on the eye that appears cloudy, milky, or is not completely transparent

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

To prepare for a complete eye exam, your doctor may put drops in your eyes to numb them and to dilate your pupils. Your doctor will use a specialized microscope to focus a high powered beam of light into your eye to examine the cornea and other structures in your eye.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatments vary depending on the most likely cause of the scarring and how severe the scarring is. Treatments may include:

Eye drops containing antibiotics, steroids, or both

Oral medications

In some cases, scar tissue may be removed surgically. The surgery may be performed using a laser, called phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK), if the scarring is close to the corneal surface.
In more severe cases, a
cornea transplant
may be necessary.

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of corneal opacity:

Take care to avoid injuring the eye. Wear eye protection during any potentially dangerous activity. Make sure safety goggles are worn tight against the face, otherwise a foreign body can fly up under the goggles and injure the eye.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Abelson MD, Sleeper A. Insights on anti-inflammatories: A look at what we know about the efficacy and safety of steroids and NSAIDs. Review of Ophthalmology website. Available at:
http://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/content/d/therapeutic%5Ftopics/i/1315/c/25310. Accessed August 1, 2013.